Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has announced she will return to the Senate on Tuesday, following a Federal High Court order declaring her suspension unconstitutional.
In a video shared on social media and widely circulated on Sunday, the lawmaker thanked her supporters and expressed joy over the court’s decision.
“I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God,” she said.
Her statement came after Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, ruled that her six-month suspension from the Senate was unconstitutional, excessive, and violated the rights of her constituents to representation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Deemed Unconstitutional; Court Orders Reinstatement
The court held that the Senate’s action lacked legal backing and ordered her immediate reinstatement.
However, Justice Nyako also found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt, citing a Facebook post a satirical apology addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio—which the court said breached an existing order. She was fined ₦5 million for the contempt.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 after a chaotic plenary session marked by disputes over seating arrangements. The matter escalated when she later accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment in a live TV interview.
Justice Nyako, while delivering the ruling, stressed that the senator’s extended suspension violated the constitution, which mandates lawmakers to attend at least 181 sitting days per legislative year.
“Long suspensions without due process undermine democratic governance,” the judge warned. The court also criticised the Senate’s disciplinary procedures, urging the National Assembly to reform its internal rules to ensure compliance with constitutional standards and principles of fair hearing.
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…by Ani Juliana.
